AIMA Renters Rule: Key Info for Immigrants

Who will be most affected?

This policy change is expected to create significant hurdles for a large segment of the immigrant population.

• Tenants in Informal Arrangements: The reality for many newcomers in Portugal's competitive rental market is informal housing. This includes subletting rooms without the primary landlord's knowledge or living under verbal agreements. In these common scenarios, obtaining a notarized signature from the property owner is nearly impossible.
• Victims of Tax Evasion: Many landlords in Portugal prefer to receive rent payments "under the table" to avoid paying taxes. These landlords are highly unlikely to sign an official, notarized document that would create a legal record of the tenancy for the tax authorities (Finanças).
• Those Relying on "Terms of Responsibility": Previously, many applicants successfully used a "Termo de Responsabilidade," a notarized letter from a friend or family member affirming they would provide accommodation. However, recent experiences from online forums and Facebook groups indicate a shift. AIMA is now frequently rejecting these arrangements, even when the host is a Portuguese citizen who owns their property, pushing applicants towards formal rental contracts or property ownership instead.

Why the sudden change from AIMA?

The crackdown is seen as a two-pronged effort by Portuguese authorities.

1. Combating Fraud: AIMA is actively working to eliminate fraudulent applications. The agency recently flagged a case where over a thousand immigrants were registered to a single address, a clear indicator of a fraudulent scheme. The notorious "Operation Ghost Rent" in Porto also exposed over 200 rental scams targeting foreigners. By requiring a notarized document, AIMA aims to verify that the tenancy is legitimate.
2. Enforcing Tax Compliance: The new requirement aligns with the Portuguese Tax Authority's long-standing goal to formalize the rental market. By forcing leases into the open, the government can ensure that landlords are registering contracts and paying the corresponding stamp duty and income taxes.

What does AIMA consider a compliant lease?

For a lease to be accepted by AIMA, it must meet several strict criteria:

• Written and Registered: The lease must be a written contract, signed by both parties, and officially registered with the Finanças.
• Modelo 2 is Crucial: Upon registration, the landlord receives a "Modelo 2" form. This is the official proof of registration that applicants must request and include in their application.
• Verifiable Receipts: Rent payments should generate an official electronic receipt ("recibo de renda eletrónico") that appears in the tenant's personal e-Fatura (tax portal). Payments via cash, Wise, or Revolut without this official receipt are a major red flag.
• 12-Month Standard: For most residency visas (D7, D8, etc.), a 12-month lease is the safest option. Short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com are not suitable for the AIMA residency permit stage.